Captain
Andrew Turkstra

Member since January 2017 Nanaimo, Canada
Background
I have been fishing all my life. Many had suggested I become a fishing guide, so I took their advice and after working for a number of different fishing charters on the west coast of Vancouver Island, I started my own business called Reel Time Fishing Charters. With a passion for boating, fishing and the enjoyment of helping people catch fish, there has been no looking back!
Techniques
Trolling and jigging

Hey, I'm Captain Andrew Turkstra

Nanaimo, Canada
Background
I have been fishing all my life. Many had suggested I become a fishing guide, so I took their advice and after working for a number of different fishing charters on the west coast of Vancouver Island, I started my own business called Reel Time Fishing Charters. With a passion for boating, fishing and the enjoyment of helping people catch fish, there has been no looking back!
Techniques
Trolling and jigging
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(110 reviews)
Angler's choice
Nanaimo
trips from US $364

Fishing Reports

Great Fishing & Crabbing continues....
Great Fishing & Crabbing continues....
Feb 17, 2023 Nanaimo
I know, many people don't consider winter as a prime time to book a fishing charter. However, there are many reasons to consider booking a trip during the first three months of the year. First, retention of Chinook salmon remains open (after April 1st, chances are good it will close until July 15, 2023). Second, the fishing and crabbing during this time of year can often be very good. And it has been lately. Again, our four hour trips are producing great action. Our last trip landed 2 beautiful fish while releasing a number of smaller ones as well as a packed crab trap. Third, we offer discounted trips through the months of January through March so you are saving money. Finally, if it is the rain or cold you are worried about, our boat offers lots of cover as well as cabin heat. As a guide, I enjoy fishing these cooler months almost more than I do the summer. During the months of January through March, there is usually an abundance of sea life (sea lions and various water fowl feasting on strong seasonal herring runs). Snow capped mountains gleaming in all directions offer a stunning background. And the winter weather? Well, whether it be the sun gloriously breaking through the clouds after a shower or the cold crisp air suggesting either snow or summer is on its way, these winter trips usually leave a lasting memory. Book a winter charter today knowing that 5% of your proceeds go to salmon enhancement projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we say at Reel Time, "Experience the Wonder while Investing in its Future."
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Cold Weather, Hot Fishing: Nanaimo Fishi
Cold Weather, Hot Fishing: Nanaimo Fishi
Jan 19, 2023 Nanaimo
Over the past few weeks, Chinook salmon fishing in Nanaimo has been the best I've seen in my years as a fishing guide. The quantity of fish has been amazing. And the quality is getting better day by day. Today in just under 2 hours, we had our limit of Chinook, one topping the scale at 12 lbs (that's good for a winter spring!). What really stands out about this year is that these fish seem to be everywhere. In the past two weeks, we have fished the south end of Gabriola Island all the way south to the Brick Yard and have hooked fish at every location. Today, just to test fate, I fished as close as legally possible the Harbor mouth and still managed to find fish. They just seem to be everywhere. Another encouraging sign is that most of these fish are hatchery. This is good news for anglers. It shows that the hatchery programs across the Pacific Northwest are really working. For a reel good time, book your next fishing adventure with us in Nanaimo. Retention is 2 per angler until the end of March. After April 1st, there is a very good chance this fishery will close until July 15, 2023. Also, keep in mind that with Reel Time Fishing Charters, 5% of every trip goes back into salmon restoration through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we like to say at Reel Time..., "Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future." Captain Turk (Andrew Turkstra) Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 110 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (67)
Great fishing Trip!
Great fishing Trip!
Great fishing Trip!
+64
Angler rating
88
16
0
0
2
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
91%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
84%
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Showing:
5 of 110 reviews
FRANK V.
Albuquerque, NM
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Trip with Reel Time Fishing Charters

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on August 24, 2023
Absolutely great time on the water!ย  Turk knew exactly what to do to get us on some fish.ย  We caught Cohos that had to be...
FRANK V. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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FRANK V. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Ricky C.
Nanaimo, BC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day afternoon with Andrew

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on August 6, 2023
Andrew was very informative and had many great stories to tell! His boat was safe, had a washroom, and was spacious enough...
Ricky C. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Ricky C. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Carsten M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing Trip!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip - Off Season (AM) on April 18, 2024
We had a lot of fun with Captain Andrew! We caught some really nice fish and the captain knew exactly where to find them ๐Ÿ˜Š...
Carsten M. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Carsten M. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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KEN S.
Haines, AK
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Reel Time Fishing - Nanaimo, BC- July 2023

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on July 17, 2023
We had a wonderful and memorable family experience with the chartered fishing trip. Captain Andrew Turkstra was very...
KEN S. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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KEN S. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Matthias S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

More bites than expected

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on August 21, 2023
I was a bit unsure about fishing a place that is located to close to the city and populated waters. But it worked out prefectly...
Matthias S. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Matthias S. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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